may be key to 'Asian paradox'
There is a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer in Asia where people smoke heavily, which may be accounted for by high consumption of tea, particularly green tea, according to a review article published by a School of Medicine researcher.
"We do not yet have a full explanation for the 'Asian paradox,' which refers to the very low incidence of both heart disease and cancer in Asia, even though consumption of cigarettes is greater than in most other countries," says Dr. Bauer Sumpio, professor and chief of vascular surgery in the Department of Surgery. "But we now have some theories."
Sumpio, the lead author of the article in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, says he and his colleagues reviewed more than 100 experimental and clinical studies about green tea in writing the article.
He says one theory is that the average 1.2 liters of green tea consumed daily by many people in Asia offers the antioxidant protective effects of the polyphenolic EGCG.
EGCG may prevent LDL oxidation, which has been shown to play a key role in the pathophysiology of arteriosclerosis. EGCG also reduces the amount of platelet aggregation, regulates lipids, and promotes proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells, which are all factors in reducing cardiovascular disease, he says.
Other reports show that EGCG prevents growth of certain tumors, notes Sumpio. Tea, according to studies, also can improve gastrointestinal function, alcohol metabolism, kidney, liver and pancreatic function, protect skin and eyes and alleviate arthritis. Tea has been used in managing and preventing allergies, diabetes, bacterial and viral infections, cavities, and to reduce or cure diseases with an inflammatory component and improve neurologic and psychological health.
"More studies are necessary to fully elucidate and better understand green tea's method of action, particularly at the cellular level," Sumpio says. "The evidence is strong that green tea consumption is a useful dietary habit to lower the risk for, as well as treat, a number of chronic diseases. Certainly, however, smoking cessation is the best way to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer."
-- By Jacqueline Weaver
T H I S
W E E K ' SS T O R I E S
PBS news anchor elected as trustee
Ceremony formally marks Rose Center opening
New Peabody hall offering high-tech lessons about Earth and space
Scientists believe that green tea may be key to 'Asian paradox'
COMMENCEMENT 2006
University celebrates its 305th graduation
Baccalaureate Address
Honorary Degrees
Other student awards
ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS
James Gustave Speth named Sara Shallenberger Brown Professor
James Baron comes to SOM as the William S. Beinecke Professor
New exhibit asks: What did Shakespeare really look like?
Samples from ocean floor at the North Pole yield clues . . .
MEDICAL SCHOOL NEWS
Nation's first manual for treating radiation victims developed
Animals may provide warning of bioterrorist attack, say researchers
Researchers uncovering clues to drug resistance in ovarian cancer
Scientists find way to use intestinal cells to stop . . .
Study: Less-invasive surgery equally effective for infants . . .Scientists unlocking key to molecular basis of debilitating pain . . .
Arts & Ideas festival adds a dash of New Orleans spice
Art & Architecture Library taking up temporary residence on Crown Street
Forum explores governmental budgetary processes in China
Library events celebrate aviator and author Anne Morrow Lindberg
Making the Grade
Uncovering Ingrained Attitudes About Obesity
Nursing School research shows ideas about ideal weight . . .
Rudd Center survey reveals that many people would give up . . .
Artist's exhibit at Slifka Center will examine complexity of faith
Jaroslav Pelikan, renowned scholar of church history
Event will bring bellringers from near and far to the Yale campus
Gigantic balloon creatures to invade Hall of Dinosaurs
Celebrated performer to teach summer flute institute
Drama production will highlight work by New Haven students
Reading aloud
Campus Notes
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